It’s VE day, marking the 75th anniversary of the ending of the Nazi regime and its attempt to take over Europe.
European countries are each celebrating in their own way. Yes, we should thank those whose sacrifice made this possible, and reflect on their achievement. It is a shame that they cannot do this together at this time.
Yet also this is a bitter-sweet moment. In our reflection, should we consider why Europe fell apart into two major wars between 1918 and 1945?
Should we consider the irony that this is happening just as Brexit and economic strains are apparently in the process of destroying that long post-war project (EU) of bringing the European nations together to end the scourge of war that had scarred the continent for centuries?
Should we consider the irony that populist leaders are again controlling many of the world’s major countries? The nazi leader was one such, who believed that he alone had the right prescriptions for his people. How wrong he was, and how wrong they all are.
Yes, a bitter-sweet moment.
I can't believe it! 
Well said, Barry. It’s difficult to reconcile all these contradictory perspectives. If only we could hope that these shared coronavirus experiences would remind us of what we share and how much better we can be when working together, like in defeating Hitler. But, sadly, it doesn’t seem likely.
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Hi, thanks for your post. Here’s my take on VE Day. Best wishes, John. https://johnager.co.uk/2020/05/08/ve-day-2020/
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